Cops warn of South Side vehicle hijackings

Police issued a community alert this morning warning Chicago Lawn residents of a series of carjackings where the culprits pretended to want to purchase the vehicle but stole them instead.

Police said the people target individuals who are selling vehicles in the Chicago Lawn district. The victims are contacted regarding test drives of the vehicle for sale. But when the suspects arrive for the test drive, they take the vehicle by force, police said.

The hijackings occurred in the area of 60th Street from Western to California avenues, police said.

Police gave a vague description of the suspects as male blacks. One of the robbers was described as between the ages of 20 to 30, 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing between 160 to 180 pounds.

The second man is described as between the ages of 30 to 40, about 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing between 220 to 250 pounds, police said.

The robbers have called victims from the phone numbers of (872) 232-6657 and (224) 800-5550, police said.

Anyone with information about the robbers or their location should contact the Wentworth Area Detective Division Property Crimes Unit at (312) 747-8382.